The most recent federal government shutdown lasted from October 1 to November 12, 2025—making it the longest shutdown in U.S. history! Although a continuing resolution is now keeping the government funded through January 20, 2026, funding for HHS and the CDC remains uncertain. With so much at stake, AMCA members must continue advocating for the resources our communities rely on.

In the House of Representatives, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which funds the CDC and NIH, proposes significant cuts to CDC’s overall budget. However, several programs vital to our work are slated for meaningful increases. Vector-Borne Disease funding would rise by $2 million, Lyme disease programs would gain $500,000, Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) would receive an additional $5 million, and Advanced Molecular Detection would increase by $10 million.

The Senate’s FY 2026 proposal is similar; however, it maintains current funding levels for ELC and includes a $1 million increase for Vector-Borne Diseases. We strongly urge the Senate to adopt the higher funding levels included in the House proposal. Additionally, the Senate committee report contains very favorable language on VectorSurv—language sought by AMCA—that we urge the House to adopt.

Now we need your help. 

We strongly encourage all AMCA members to contact their congressional representatives in both the House and Senate to support passage of the House funding levels along with the specific VectorSurv provisions included in the Senate report. AMCA plans to make one major push for funding now and another ahead of the January deadline — and your action today is essential.

The quickest way to act is through the AMCA Advocacy Action Center, where you can easily send a message directly to your members of Congress. Please take a moment to make your voice heard.